NPR News: 02-11-2026 1PM EST - NPR News Now

NPR News Now – Episode Summary

Date: February 11, 2026, 1PM EST
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Length: 5 minutes

Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now update delivers the top national news stories as of early afternoon on February 11, 2026. Key developments include a contentious Congressional hearing about Jeffrey Epstein, ongoing investigation in the Nancy Guthrie missing-person case, a major deregulatory move by the Trump administration on climate regulations, a brief airport closure on the U.S.–Mexico border due to alleged cartel drone activity, and a historic win for U.S. athletes in Olympic free ski moguls.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Combative Congressional Hearing on Epstein Files

[00:17–01:16]

Attorney General Pam Bondi faced heated exchanges with House Democrats regarding the Department of Justice's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Survivors of Epstein attended the hearing; Bondi offered a general apology but deflected on specifics.
The FBI reportedly sees no further individuals to charge in the Epstein saga.
Quote:

"She basically said she’s sorry for any victim and she’s open to hearing any new allegations or evidence."
– Carrie Johnson, NPR, [00:52]

2. Developments in the Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

[01:16–02:13]

A man briefly detained in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s suspected kidnapping was released, claiming not to be a suspect.
The FBI released video of a masked person with a gun near Guthrie’s home at the time of her disappearance.
Authorities have not confirmed any suspects at this stage.
Guthrie's daughter, Savannah Guthrie (NBC’s Today Show host), publicly appealed for help.
Quote:

"Officials have not said if they have a suspect or person of interest in the case."
– Alana Weiss, NPR, [01:43]

3. Trump Administration Seeks to End EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Regulation Authority

[02:13–03:12]

The Trump administration will rescind the EPA’s 2009 “endangerment finding,” which enabled federal regulation of greenhouse gases.
Press Secretary Caroline Levitt called this “the largest deregulatory action in American history.”
Abigail Dillon of EarthJustice vowed legal action, labeling the move illegal.
Formal announcement is expected at the White House on Thursday.
Notable Quotes:

"This will be the largest deregulatory action in American history."
– Caroline Levitt, Trump Press Secretary (via Carrie Johnson), [02:41]

"And we will see this administration in court to ensure that our government does its job to protect us."
– Abigail Dillon, EarthJustice, [02:59]

4. El Paso Airspace Briefly Closed Due to Cartel Drone

[03:12–04:05]

The FAA closed airspace around El Paso International Airport for several hours due to a “cartel drone incursion.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated the administration “acted swiftly” and that flights are now resuming.
Local confusion persists over the details; major travel disruptions occurred with the nearest alternative airport 270 miles away.

5. Historic U.S. Win in Women’s Olympic Free Ski Moguls

[04:05–04:50]

Elizabeth Laemmle won gold in women’s free ski moguls, marking a first for the U.S. atop this podium after a 15-year drought.
Jaelyn Koff took silver—her second Olympic silver medal.
Both athletes to compete again in the debut of women’s dual moguls on February 14.
Memorable Commentary:

"Laemmle's time was slightly longer than Koff's, but she scored higher on the tricks, sliding her into the gold medal position."
– Ping Huang, NPR, [04:37]

Notable Quotes

“She’s sorry for any victim and she’s open to hearing any new allegations or evidence.” — Carrie Johnson, [00:52]
“This will be the largest deregulatory action in American history.” — Caroline Levitt (via Carrie Johnson), [02:41]
“And we will see this administration in court to ensure that our government does its job to protect us.” — Abigail Dillon, [02:59]
“Laemmle’s time was slightly longer than Koff’s, but she scored higher on the tricks, sliding her into the gold medal position.” — Ping Huang, [04:37]

Timestamps for Major Segments

[00:17] Combative hearing on Jeffrey Epstein investigation
[01:16] Update on Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case
[02:13] Trump administration ends EPA greenhouse gas rules
[03:12] Airspace closure over El Paso International Airport
[04:05] U.S. sweeps medals in Olympic women’s ski moguls
[04:50] Dow Jones report

For continued updates, listen to hourly NPR News Now.

Transcript

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Lakshmi Singh (0:17)

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Lakshmi Singh. And at times combative hearing is underway on Capitol Hill with verbal clashes between Attorney General Pam Bondi and House Democrats at the forefront. The Democratic the Justice Department's heavily criticized handling of files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the financier tied to charges of rape, sexual abuse, child sex trafficking and connections to some of the most powerful people on the planet, including President Trump, former President Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew. NPR's Kerry Johnson is monitoring today's hearing.

Carrie Johnson (0:52)

We did see that several survivors of Jeffrey Epstein are in the hearing room today. And when the attorney general, Pam Bondi, was asked whether she had something to say to them or could apologize to them, she basically said she's sorry for any victim and she's open to hearing any new allegations or evidence. In the past, the FBI has basically concluded there may not be any additional people to charge.

Lakshmi Singh (1:16)

NPR's Carrie Johnson reporting. Authorities briefly detained a man related to the suspected kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie. Guthrie went missing more than a week ago. Here's NPR's Alana Weiss.

Alana Weiss (1:27)

The man was apparently released after a few hours. Video posted to social media of the man outside his house shows him telling reporters he was not a suspect in the case. Nancy Guthrie has not been seen since she was dropped off at home after a family dinner last weekend. Newly released video footage by the FBI shows a mass subject in the early hours of her disappearance approaching her front door. The person appears to be carrying a gun. Officials have not said if they have a suspect or person of interest in the case. Guthrie's daughter, today's show host Savannah Guthrie, has asked anybody who recognized the masked figure to alert authorities. Ilana Wise, NPR News.

Lakshmi Singh (2:13)

The Trump administration says it will end the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to regulate climate warming greenhouse gases. NPR's Jeff Brady reports. This week the administration plans to rescind a 2009 decision called the endangerment finding.

Jeff Brady (2:30)

During the Obama administration, the EPA found that greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels warm the climate and endanger public health. Now Trump press Secretary Caroline Levitt says that decision will be reversed.